Recruiting: A closer look at Michigan State TE recruit Ryan Izzo

May 3, 2013

Written by

Matt Dorsey

Detroit Free Press Special Writer

Michigan State is very selective when it comes to offering tight end recruits. Earlier this week they decided to pull the trigger and extend a scholarship to Ryan Izzo of Pope John XXIII High School in New Jersey.

Izzo is seeing his stock rise significantly and the Michigan State staff sees him as a player that can be both an effective pass receiver and blocker in their pro-style scheme. Izzo talked with SpartanMag.com about his contact with Michigan State.

"Coach Narduzzi stopped by my school earlier this week and he was able to watch me workout,” Izzo stated. “They offered me a scholarship shortly afterwards. I am going to try and get out there for their 1-Day Camp which is on June 16th."

In addition to Michigan State, Izzo also holds scholarship offers from BCS programs such as Iowa, Indiana, Rutgers, Virginia Tech, USF and Pittsburgh. The 6-foot-6, 220-pound Izzo has a dozen scholarships total.

Izzo obviously still has to get bigger in order to play in the Big Ten, but the Spartans believe he will have no problem adding quality size. It is very likely that he will be close to 240-pounds when he arrives on a college campus next fall and he will more than likely play in the 250-260-pound range.

Obviously with a last name like Izzo, the references to Michigan State will be automatic. Another interesting aspect is that Pope John XXIII High School is located in Sparta, New Jersey. We asked Izzo if he has followed Michigan State in the past.

"Yes, I play both basketball and football so I kind of follow both sports equally. I have been a fan of the Spartans."

Izzo's recruitment could be an example of why being in the Big Ten Eastern Division could benefit Michigan State. Besides better competition, the Spartans will play games against numerous teams that are all within driving distance of Izzo’s hometown. Prospects from New Jersey and Pennsylvania that are looking at Big Ten Western Division schools will certainly have to consider that factor.